Press release
25 October 2017
Hay fever? How to prepare your home this pollen season
If you experience hay fever symptoms, like a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes or sneezing, it’s important to keep your
home healthy by cutting down on allergens. Pollen season typically strikes during spring and summer, with pollen levels
tending to be higher on warm dry days.
“Limiting your exposure to pollen, particularly in your home, can really help,” said Letitia O’Dwyer, Chief Executive of
the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. “The majority of people affected by seasonal hay fever are allergic to dust
mites, pollen or moulds."
“We've developed some spring cleaning tips to help you prepare your home.”
Follow these tips so that your family can breathe easier this allergy season:
• Wash sheets, pillowcases, soft toys in the bedroom weekly in water hotter than 55°C.
• Cover mattresses, quilts and pillows with dust mite-resistant encasings.
• Open curtains and air bedding in the sunshine and give them a regular clean.
• Consider venetian blinds or flat blinds, which are easier to clean than heavy curtains.
• Use a damp or electrostatic cloth to dust hard surfaces (including floors).
• Ask someone else to do the vacuuming, as this increases allergen in the air for up to 20 minutes. Also consider
using a vacuum cleaner with an asthma and allergy sensitive HEPA filter.
• Keep rooms dry and well ventilated.
• Clear out the clutter.
Another way to manage hay fever and/or allergy symptoms is to use products that may reduce allergy triggers in day to
day life.
“The Sensitive Choice® programme was created to help consumers identify asthma and allergy aware products,” said
O’Dwyer.
“Sensitive Choice® approved products have been assessed by an independent panel. Next time you are out shopping, look
for the reassuring blue butterfly on product packaging, including bedding, cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, and
more.”
Sensitive Choice® has helped New Zealanders reduce their allergy reactions for many years. Its partners provide funds
for research and education led by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ to reduce the health, social and economic
impacts of asthma and allergies in New Zealand.
If you are one of the thousands of New Zealanders with asthma or allergy symptoms, visit the Sensitive Choice® website sensitivechoice.co.nz for products and services that may be a better choice for you and your family.
All Sensitive Choice® approved products are listed on the website, sorted by the following category or allergy triggers:
CategoryTriggerIndoor climate controlChemicalsCleaning products and servicesDust MitesBedding and FurnitureMouldBuilding and RenovatingPetsFlooringPollenHealth and Personal careSmokeVacuum and deep cleaners Pool and Spa care
Ms O’Dwyer urged New Zealanders to speak to their doctor or pharmacist, take prescribed medications and create an
allergy free home environment to help keep spring and summer allergies well managed.
ENDS